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Since the 1980s wind turbines have been getting bigger and more efficient. Scientists have been surprised at how much energy some of these new turbines are able to create. The smaller turbines are able to create enough energy to power 350 american homes for a year. That's a lot of energy! And making larger turbines does not cause more pollution in the process meaning turbines are a great source of clean and efficient energy!
In relation to that, I recently stumbled upon a program that Austin utilities offers to residents of Austin called "GreenChoice." It allows us to choose to, for a slightly higher price, opt for all of our energy to come from renewable resources (in this case, wind farms in West Texas and I think some solar panels, too). Though renewable sources of energy still havent' reached the same price point as non-renewable, this is certainly a start. Very exciting stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe requirement of transmission lines to transfer wind energy seems like it will become a problem in the US. Not just the cost of building these lines, but the legal battles that will surface surrounding land ownership for these transmission lines.
ReplyDeleteThe transmission lines of these wind energy is an obstacle that still need improvement. Most of those wind farms are located far from were the energy is needed. And we still don't have the technology to efficiently store these energy and use it when needed. Also, the loss of wind energy during the transmission is also a big problem.
DeleteI found this article very interesting. I have seen the large arrays of turbines in west Texas in the San Angelo - Abilene area. Those appeared pretty large. Does anyone know how they compare to those used in Europe? I have also thought that using newer materials, like those on new aircraft wings, might make the turbines more efficient.
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